Food and drink brands and retailers granted a Royal Warrant from the Queen will have to discontinue use of the Royal Arms in connection with the business, following her death on Thursday.
A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a document that appoints a company in a trading capacity to the Royal household. Holders are entitled to use the Royal Arms in connection with their business, with many displaying this on packaging and in marketing material.
The warrants are void, as of the Queen’s death, and companies have two years to drop the use of the Royal Arms.
Around 100 food and drink businesses, as well as others in categories such as cleaning products and health & beauty are affected.
An average of 30 Royal Warrants are granted each year, with a similar number being cancelled. Amongst other things, applicants are required to demonstrate that they have an appropriate environmental and sustainability policy and action plan.
Companies will have to reapply for a Royal Warrant from the new monarch, proving they supply products or services on a regular and ongoing basis to the Royal households for not less than five years out of the past seven.
Brands and manufacturers affected include Heinz, Cadbury UK, Coca-Cola, Premier Foods, Unilever, British Sugar and Britvic. Several alcohol brands are also affected, among them Martini, Dubonnet, Johnnie Walker, Gordon’s, and Pimm’s.
